My Ps of Creativity #1

Little reminders

“We all have possibilities we don't know about.
We can do things we don't even dream we can do.”
~Dale Carnegie

Peas ~ Dip Pen and Watercolor Wash (9-29-24)

If you’ve read my last post, Changing Directions, you know that when I reached a crossroads, I veered off course and will be taking you along on my art journey. Deep reverence for Nature is still a vital aspect of who I am and you will notice that in my artistic subjects. The Substack name Sacred Environment still seems appropriate to me—Isn’t life a sacred environment?

It was surprising to see Changing Directions as my most-read post to date. Your comments offering support for my decision and wanting me to stay on Substack touched my heart. And, no one unsubscribed! That is a huge statement for the supportive nature of the Substack community—encourage creativity, in whatever form it appears. Thank you!

A list of words came to me the other day about creativity so here is the start of a series of essays with the letter P words.

Possibility

Possibility seems to be the best starting point for creativity. Nothing begins without possibility.

I read a Note the other day (I wish I could have found it again) which caused me to ponder. The artist wrote that when she re-branded and became authentic to her artwork, she lost a couple thousand Instagram followers. She built her impressive follower base by sharing her sketchbooks. Her followers dropped off once she changed her catchy sketching-inspired name and promoted her completed artwork. She mentioned her happiness and okayness with losing all those who weren’t interested in her real art, her true passion. I honor her authenticity and understand the desire to attract her “right” people.

This got me thinking. Why do I enjoy seeing other’s sketchbooks, sketches and work in progress?

I feel it comes down to possibility. A door slightly opens. “Just maybe I could do something like that.” But looking at a finished piece of art or masterpiece, although beautiful, amazing, etc., is too big of a gap for my brain to cross. I’d love to be able to, but creating something majestic is out of reach for my abilities—at this point. Sure, I can strive and aspire to get there. Sketches show the possibility, the building blocks, to even pick up the pen, brush, or pencil and give art a try.

The same is true for writing. Most of us wouldn’t read a New York Times Bestseller and start writing a novel. It’s too daunting to start. This is where Substack shines. People are putting themselves out there and getting started with writing. Building confidence, honing skills, and making connections.

Jonathan Foster

’s newest essay, The Plan - The Origin Story Behind the Crow, is a great example of this process.

“I think of writing as a craft and I want to become a skilled craftsperson and create beautiful writing. And there is so much I want to write about, so much I want to say and right now I’m learning how, the hard way, here, on stage, in front of you.”

So, here’s your reminder to be curious and open yourself to possibility. To start writing. To sketch and scribble. To be YOU.

And share. The sharing helps others to open to possibility and potential. Oh, look! Another P—Potential.

Play - scribbled dip pen & India ink over splashes of watercolor (Jan. 2024)

Don’t be afraid to try something you think you can’t. This is a watercolor pear from an Anna Mason tutorial (she’s a wonderful instructor for this style of detail painting). This was the 2nd watercolor I ever painted (2014). I stopped shortly after until January 2024.

Peace, Love & Blessings,

If something I wrote inspired or brightened your day a little, or anything else you’d like to share… I’d be very grateful to hear about it in the comments. A restack or clicking the little heart 💜 for a “like” would always be appreciated.